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==What is Taurine?==
==What is Taurine?==
[[File:Feline taurine.jpg|300px|right]]
[[File:Taurine.jpg|300px|right|thumb|Role of taurine in the cat]]
Taurine (2-aminoethanesulfonic acid) is a '''naturally occurring sulphonic acid produced in the liver''' as an end product of [[Methionine and Cysteine - Nutrition|cysteine]] metabolism. Taurine is not incorporated into proteins but found free in animal tissues; the highest concentrations are found in brain, heart, and skeletal muscle. Although commonly referred to as an amino acid it lacks a carboxyl group and is not classified as a true amino acid. '''Dogs can synthesise taurine from dietary precursors''' and are typically able produce amounts sufficient to meet daily needs. '''Cats are unable to produce adequate amounts of taurine to meet requirements and pre-formed taurine is required in the diet.'''
Taurine (2-aminoethanesulfonic acid) is a '''naturally occurring sulphonic acid produced in the liver''' as an end product of [[Methionine and Cysteine - Nutrition|cysteine]] metabolism. Taurine is not incorporated into proteins but found free in animal tissues; the highest concentrations are found in brain, heart, and skeletal muscle. Although commonly referred to as an amino acid it lacks a carboxyl group and is not classified as a true amino acid. '''Dogs can synthesise taurine from dietary precursors''' and are typically able produce amounts sufficient to meet daily needs. '''Cats are unable to produce adequate amounts of taurine to meet requirements and pre-formed taurine is required in the diet.'''
Taurine also plays a role in normal retinal and myocardial function, osmoregulation, platelet aggregation, modulation of calcium flux within cells, reproduction, and immune response. There are three established clinical syndromes related to taurine deficiency: feline central retinal degeneration (FCRD), dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), and reproductive failure.
Taurine also plays a role in normal retinal and myocardial function, osmoregulation, platelet aggregation, modulation of calcium flux within cells, reproduction, and immune response. There are three established clinical syndromes related to taurine deficiency: feline central retinal degeneration (FCRD), dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), and reproductive failure.
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==Consequences of Taurine Deficiency==
==Consequences of Taurine Deficiency==